Tuba Sahiti, Northeast High

College: Likely Harvard   •   Accepted by: Columbia, Harvard, UF, FSU, USF, Eckerd, Miami   •    Object of inspiration: Kodak Duoflex II box camera. “It’s my brother’s, and he’s a big part of my life. I’ve been influenced by family, people I’ve met, places I’ve been. Cameras capture all of that.”

 

Where do you see yourself next year, and 10 years from now?

Next year, in college. (I’m thinking) Harvard mostly because it’s the biggest for the type of major I’m interested in. They have a great department for that social science-y type of thing.

But 10 years, I see myself graduated and working at the United Nations or something like that. I’m going for something like international relations. I want to work for the U.N., the U.S. State Department, something of that nature to help promote international peace. Part of (my motivation) is I came here when I was 6, so I’ve already seen the international aspect of things. I’m really interested in travelling (and) in multiple languages. I haven’t gotten too specific, though. I don’t know what that (career) specifically would entail.

 

What accomplishment has brought you the most pride?

The entire process with (applying for) college. I’d never realized what it was like. Now that it’s done, I feel so accomplished. What it was was not necessarily a sense of pride as accomplishment. I guess it was because it was something I haven’t done before. During that process, you’re just so scatterbrained and it’s so chaotic, and since you’ve never done it before, you don’t even know if you did it right. At the finish line, it’s not so much pride as being able to take on something totally new.

 

What teacher has most impacted your life?

Ms. Heinzel, my first grade ESL (English as second language) teacher. You can’t really get more important than that. She was the first real teacher that I had — first grade, first period. She was the first teacher I saw every day. I just spent that one year with her, but first grade is just an interesting year because you’re finally a big kid, going to school like your big brother.

 

What made you strive so fervently to succeed?

I just tried my hardest. It’s what you’re told as a kid, and it’s what you do. You do it and hope for the best.  We came from Kosovo in 1999, and the thing is there’s a war there. We came here in ’99 which would have made me 6. I started school here in the first grade. I guess the transition is easier when you’re younger because it’s more natural. Knowing my parents (struggled) motivated me. When I was a kid they always told me to try my best, and so that’s what I’ve been doing. But now I’m more focused on my future, and where I’m going to go.

 

How do you manage to stay so busy AND live a normal teenage life?

There’s a balance in there somehow. You just have to prioritize and get things done.

 

What hobbies do you enjoy?

I feel like this is where I say, “I like to ride the unicycle,” but I don’t. I like to play tennis, ride my bike, play shuffleboard, whatever comes up. I like chilling out on hammocks, staring at clouds — is that a hobby?

 

What is your favorite time from high school?

Homecoming weeks. Being involved in student government, it’s one of the most fun weeks out of the year. I joined (SGA) in the ninth grade, and I’m currently its president. SGA is one of the best clubs to be in — every week we gather and we actually have something to do. It’s not just one of those “fluff” clubs where nothing gets done. It’s been one of my favorite memories.

 

Who is your favorite superhero?

The Ninja Turtles. Do they count? Or Power Rangers. If it’s between Ninja Turtles and Power Rangers, then definitely the Ninja Turtles. I mean, they eat pizza! I remember liking the coloring books and it was just one of those TV shows I watched as a kid. I was really excited about the movie a few years ago, it has some great one-liners.

 

Which superhero do you identify with?

I really don’t know. I never got into superheroes. The Pink Power Ranger is what the 6-year-old me would have said.

 

What superpower would you choose to have?

I would like to be able to teleport. How awesome would that be? It’s like flying except quicker.

 

What do you think is heroic about you?

I’ve never drawn a similarity between (a superhero and me). I guess I would also like to make the world a better place. Maybe not as dramatic as (a superhero), but it will have to cut.

 

What is your kryptonite — your weakness?

Waiting. Having to wait especially after you’ve done a lot and have nothing left to do except wait. Like college applications, or making a pizza.

 

Who is someone you consider a real-life superhero?

My parents. When you’re a kid, that’s how you see them. Dad is Superman and Mom is Wonder Woman. As you grow older, you see stuff they handle so seamlessly. All they do for their kids (is amazing). Through everything that occurs, they just still keep going and raising their children.